SAR, Service and Therapy McNabs

The superior intelligence and natural tracking ability makes the McNab Shepherd stand out in many fields that help and support disabilities as well as Search and Rescue, Bomb and Drug Detection work.

The McNab’s reputation as an indefatigable all-weather dog has opened up new avenues of work for the dog: Search and Rescue and Police Work.

Currently McNabs are working as evidence search dogs, cadaver dogs, archaeology dogs, and area search dogs for missing persons. Where many other breeds have to be pulled off the search because the dog is tiring, the only limitation for the McNab is the energy of its handler.

In addition to the above activities, McNabs are now becoming more common as service and therapy dogs, demonstrating sensitivity to the medical and psychological needs of humans.

McNabs as Therapy Dogs

A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and to people with anxiety disorders or autism.

McNab Shepherds excel as therapy dogs because of their sweet, gentle disposition. More mature McNabs tend to make better therapy dogs due to their calmer demeanor and friendliness to strangers.

As with any breed, not all McNabs are cut out for service or therapy work. This doesn’t mean that there is something wrong with the dog; he most likely excels in other areas.